Hidradenitis suppurativa can turn into chronic symptoms that impact movement and other areas of life. When hidradenitis suppurativa starts impacting work performance, you might become eligible for disability benefits. Knowing when you may qualify for disability benefits is an important part of this process. Feel free to ask a Philadelphia individual disability insurance attorney if you have questions.

Impairments Caused by Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that can last for a lifetime because there is no cure. Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa focuses on the management of pain and abscesses on the skin. Phase one of this condition is usually missed by doctors because this condition can easily be confused with other skin conditions.

This phase starts with skin abscesses but without any scars. Phase two involves abscesses that continue to occur despite treatment. Scars start to develop and may involve larger skin lesions. Abscesses also start forming in sinus tracts. During phase three, multiple sinus tracts are impacted, and most of the skin is afflicted with abscesses.

Over time, medical complications can develop from prolonged skin abscesses. Chronic pain, impaired movement, and little to no range of motion on certain joints. Severe cases may involve obstruction of lymph vessels and chronic inflammation.

Chronic inflammation that continues for long periods of time can lead to anemia, amyloidosis, and hyperproteinemia. These effects may build up to skin deformities and chronic pain. Many people who are left dealing with these issues for years can develop depression and interpersonal stress.

When Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits?

You might be wondering whether hidradenitis suppurativa qualifies you for disability benefits. The answer depends on the severity of your condition, medical evidence, and how much your condition impairs work performance. People can be diagnosed with a disability and still not qualify because they are still able to earn a basic income.

When it comes to hidradenitis suppurativa disability benefits, the criteria for this can be found in the skin disorders section of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. The SSA defines hidradenitis suppurativa as a condition that involves extensive skin lesions that last three months or longer. These skin lesions fail to improve despite treatment.

Severity is assessed by the SSA based on the level of skin lesions, flare-up frequency, symptoms like pain, and treatment outcomes. The more widespread and severe the skin lesions are, the greater your chances are of receiving benefits. Chronic pain that interferes with daily functioning and work tasks also improves your chances. This also includes treatments that fail to help your condition improve.

Consider contacting a Philadelphia disability lawyer if you have been diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa and have questions about disability benefits. A lawyer might be able to help you increase your chances.

Contact Edelstein & Nelson for Legal Aid

Navigating the disability benefits process can be confusing. Consider asking a Philadelphia disability lawyer for guidance if you have questions about your eligibility for disability benefits. All you have to do is call Edelstein & Nelson by dialing (800) 300-0909 for a consultation today. Our team of attorneys might be able to help you increase your chances of receiving disability benefits.